All Stories (RSS)
The Queen Of Subtleties By Suzannah Dunn
Historical novels do not normally capture my imagination at first glance, despite the fact that most turn out to be hugely enjoyable and informative reads. The Queen of Subtleties was much the same, although the romantic title drew me back to a second appraisal. And I'm very glad it did.At first glance this may appear to be a 'girlie' novel, with gentle pastel hues and a delicate female face gracing the cover (which happens to be a Raphael painting). And it is true that both of the central characters are women and the two (both tragic) love stories are presented from their respective perspectives. But this book isn't just 'chick lit', it has a basis in a serious historical reality and turns out to be a real gem of a book.
The title of the book is a reference to both Lucy (the court confectioner who creates the sugar delicacies known as 'subtleties') and Anne (Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, who becomes Queen but isn't subtle at all). The very simple presentation of the narrative consists of each telling their own story in alternating chapters. Naturally these two stories overlap, although unless you're up on your medieval history, the overlap isn't as immediately obvious as you might expect. I wasn't, and the delicate suspense that Dunn builds up to this point is very lightly and elegantly done, so much so that when the realisation suddenly dawned I was very impressed at how I had been carried along so deftly.
What is great about this book is that it is an old tale told very well, in a very clear and yet subtle way by two voices that contrast perfectly and which make a fine counterpoint to each other. Their recollection of events is also written in a contemporary style, which allows the actual historical circumstances to have much more immediacy and authenticity. This style also allows the reader to completely sympathise with Anne in particular, who by all other accounts comes across as pretty unpleasant, but who can justify her actions to us through her own recollections by explaining her motivations.
I wasn't expecting to like this book as much as I did, but it is written so refreshingly well that it completely charmed me. It isn't as heavyweight in terms of facts as history fans might appreciate but it has the benefit of a good deal of accurate research, explained in the author interview and sources listed helpfully in the back. I'd recommend The Queen of Subtleties to anyone, especially for those moments when you are looking to be absorbed and informed while still being gently entertained. Take it on holiday to a big country house or something. Enjoy.
Mousey
The Queen of Subtleties is by Suzannah Dunn and is published in paperback by Harper Perennial.
Written: 21st Mar, 05
Read: 2003 times
